ESL ENGLISH LESSON (60-120 mins) – 25th November 2010

A traditional Christmas in England

Pre Christmas - The English like to celebrate Christmas well ahead of the
actual day. Before the kids break up from school toddlers might visit
Santa’s grotto in a local department store. Children at primary and
secondary schools might hold Christmas bazaars. Kids at secondary schools
normally have to go to church for the annual carol service. Adults
meanwhile celebrate with the Christmas office party! That’s always good
festive fun! There are Christmas lights in the main parts of most towns and
these days some people like to decorate the front of their houses with
Christmas lights. Meanwhile many retailers in England have been flogging
Christmas goodies since October! The advent calendar is also a must for
kids to open daily in December. Christmas markets are now very popular.

Christmas Eve. It is the day before Christmas. The kids are off school.
Traditionally, the Christmas tree would be decorated in the evening but
these days many households in England put the tree up sometimes a
fortnight before the big day! The tree has many different coloured balls on
it. There is also a lot of tinsel, wonderful glowing flashing lights, many
chocolates, and a fairy or star sits on the top of the tree. Other Christmas
decorations like Chinese lanterns, bells and colourful paper or tinsel chains
decorate the living room ceiling. In the old days an open fire would be lit. A
letter would then be written to Father Christmas by every child. It would
then be sent up the chimney. These days most people have gas fires, so
that idea has been replaced with sending an email to Santa! Christmas Eve
is a working day, though some companies do give a half day. Many people
are travelling home, normally via the pub. Certainly in the evening many
people have a quick drink in their local, though pubs do close early on
Christmas Eve. In some churches there is a midnight service.

Christmas Day – December 25th - The big day finally arrives, the kids are
up early, and I do mean early. All are eager to see what Father Christmas
has brought them. If they have been good they will wake up to a Christmas
stocking full of different sweets at the end of the bed that has replaced the
small sock they should have left out for Santa! If they have been bad it
used to be a lump of coal but these days it’s less sweets! In the living room
under the tree are many presents of all shapes and sizes. Some sit in the

Category: England / Traditional Christmas / Christmas time

Level: Intermediate / Upper intermediate
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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

Christmas tree. After breakfast the family will gather, normally around
10am to open their presents together. Meanwhile the turkey is in the oven!
Next is the big Christmas dinner. This is served between one and two.
‘Christmas Top of the Pops’ on BBC1 is on the telly in the background!

In England, Christmas dinner is traditionally a large roast turkey that is

carved. There are roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, also Chestnut
and apple stuffing. There are a lot of sausages and bacon, masses of gravy,
and mountains of English vegetables {sprouts, peas, carrots, broccoli,
cauliflower, swedes, turnips}. Champaign or a good white wine is also
drunk with the meal. Silly hats are worn by everyone, which come from
Christmas crackers that are pulled. Inside they will probably have a daft
joke and silly useless small toy! Dessert is Christmas pudding, served with
fresh cream or brandy butter. Watch out for the hidden coins of value in
some homemade Christmas puddings!

The meal is timed so that it ends ahead of the Queen speaking to the nation
on the box (TV) at 3pm. Everything stops while her majesty speaks. After
this some families sit down and watch a top movie, while some go out to
walk off the turkey! Later in the early evening some families have tree
presents to give out. Christmas tea follows. This is normally cold turkey,
ham, freshly made salad with tomatoes, cucumber, beetroot, egg etc…with
bread and butter and different cheeses. The Christmas cake is cut with its
thick white icing on top of the marzipan. If you have room there’s also the
Christmas chocolate log to sample, maybe a trifle and not forgetting the
mince pies! Later, families do different things. Some visit their neighbours
for a night of silly games and partying, while others watch the telly. These
days some families will split up and log on to catch up with friends
worldwide on Skype or Facebook. This idea has certainly replaced the
annual call to Australia on BT! So a super day then suddenly it’s all over.

Boxing Day - The English celebrate Boxing Day on the 26th December. Not
many English people actually know why it’s called Boxing Day – the reason
is because in the 19th century traders in England would collect their boxes of
presents on this day - in return to ensure good and reliable services the
following year. These days Boxing Day is when whole families uproot en
masse in the car to visit the relatives. People go for long walks in the
country or by the sea. Boxing Day is a family day normally with family and
friends. After this it’s back to work for some, while for others it’s an
extended holiday till the New Year. Happy Christmas everyone!

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

EXERCISES
1. Christmas in England: Briefly, what three things do you know about
Christmas in England? Go round the room swapping details.

2. Geography: England: Where is England? What is its capital? What

countries surround it? What sea surrounds it? Draw a map on the board then look
on Google maps to help you.

3. Dictation: The teacher will read four to six lines of the article slowly and
clearly. Students will write down what they hear. The teacher will repeat the passage
slowly again. Self-correct your work from page one - filling in spaces and correcting
mistakes. Be honest with yourself on the number of errors. Advise the teacher of
your total number of errors. Less than five is very good. Ten is acceptable. Any more
is room for improvement! More than twenty - you need to do some work!

4. Reading: The students should now read the article aloud, swapping readers
every paragraph.

5. Vocabulary: Students should now look through the article and underline any
vocabulary they do not know. Look in dictionaries. Discuss and help each other out.
The teacher will go through and explain any unknown words or phrases.

6. The article: Students should look through the article with the teacher.
a) What is the article about?
b) What do you think about the article?

7. Let’s think! Think of five things you do before Christmas. Then add five
things you put on the tree. Write them below. Explain to your partner why you chose
these.
Five things you do before Xmas Five things you put on the tree
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

8. Let’s think! In pairs. On the board write as many words as you can to do
with the ‘Christmas’. One-two minutes. Compare with other teams. Using your
words compile a short dialogue together.

9. Let’s debate! In pairs. Student A loves Christmas! Student B dislikes

Christmas. Why?

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

10. Let’s talk! Radio England: In pairs/groups. You are in the Radio
England studio. One of you is the presenter; the other student(s) is/are one the
people below. The subject being discussed is Christmas. 5 minutes.
1 A fairy on top of the Xmas tree 3 A snowman
2 Rudolf the reindeer 4 Father Christmas
The teacher will choose some pairs to tell their stories in front of the class.

11. Let’s think! Think of five things you eat at Christmas. Then add five things
you do at Christmas. Write them below. Explain to your partner why you chose
these.
Five things you eat at Xmas Five things you do at Xmas
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
The teacher will choose some pairs to discuss their findings in front of the class.

12. Let’s do ‘The Article Quiz’: Have the students quiz each other in
pairs. They score a point for each correct answer and half a point each time they
have to look at the article for help. See who can get the highest score!
Student A
1) What do the English eat with their turkey?
2) What does Christmas tea consist of?
3) Why is Boxing Day called Boxing Day?
4) What was put up the chimney?
5) What is put on the Christmas tree?
Student B
1) When is Boxing Day?
2) What do English people do on Boxing Day?
3) What do English people do on Christmas Day?
4) What do English people do on Christmas Eve?
5) What do people do pre Christmas?

13. Let’s write an e-mail: Write and send a 200 word e-mail to your
teacher about: Christmas in my country. Your e-mail can be read out in class.

14. Presentation: In pairs, groups or individually: Prepare in class or at home

a 2-minute presentation on: The traditional story of Christmas. This should
include Jesus, the three kings, the shepherd’s, the Angel, Mary, and Joseph, King
Herod etc… Stand at the front of the class to give your presentation to the class. The
class can vote on the best presentation. Class – After the presentations go through
the good and weak points on each presentation. Learn from the results.

15. Sentence starters: Finish these sentence starters. Correct your

mistakes. Compare what other people have written.

a) Christmas _____________________________________________________

b) I love Christmas ________________________________________________

c) Christmas Day __________________________________________________

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

DISCUSSION
Student A questions
1) Did the headline make you want to read the article?
2) What do you think of Christmas?
3) Do you believe in Father Christmas?
4) What will you be doing this Christmas?
5) What has been your most unusual Christmas?
6) What was your worst Christmas? Why?
7) What three preparations will you do ahead of Christmas?
8) Will you be going to church over Christmas? Why? Why not?
9) Is Christmas too commercial these days?
10) How has Christmas changed since you were a kid?

Student B questions
1) What do you think about what you read?
2) What makes Christmas special?
3) Has your family ever ended up having a big row at Christmas?
4) What do you like to watch on the telly at Christmas?
5) What three games do you like to play at Christmas?
6) What three drinks do you like to sample at Christmas?
7) Who does the washing up at Christmas?
8) Do you meet the neighbours or relatives at Christmas?
9) What do you hate about Christmas?
10) Did you like this discussion?

SPEAKING

Let’s debate! Christmas in your country

Allow 10-15 minutes – As a class / small groups / pairs / 1 to 1

Christmas in your country – comparisons with other countries

The teacher can moderate the session.

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

GAP FILL: READING:

Put the words into the gaps in the text.

A traditional Christmas in England toddlers

Pre Christmas - The English like to celebrate Christmas well
ahead of the actual day. Before the kids break up from school carol
(1)_____ might visit Santa’s (2)_____ in a local department
store. Children at primary and secondary schools might hold grotto
Christmas (3)_____. (4)_____ at secondary schools normally
have to go to church for the (5)_____ (6)_____ service. Adults flogging
meanwhile celebrate with the Christmas office party! That’s
always good festive fun! There are Christmas lights in the main
kids
parts of most towns and these days some people like to decorate
the front of their houses with Christmas lights. Meanwhile many
annual
retailers in England have been (7)_____ Christmas goodies since
October! The (8)_____ calendar is also a must for kids to open
bazaars
daily in December. Christmas markets are now very popular.

advent

Christmas Eve. It is the day before (1)_____. The kids are off
school. Traditionally, the Christmas tree would be decorated in
Santa
the evening but these days many households in England put the
tree up sometimes a fortnight before the big day! The tree has bells
many different coloured balls on it. There is also a lot of
(2)_____, wonderful glowing flashing lights, many chocolates, churches
and a (3)_____ or (4)_____ sits on the top of the tree. Other
Christmas decorations like Chinese lanterns, (5)_____ and star
colourful paper or tinsel chains decorate the living room ceiling. In
fairy
the old days an open fire would be lit. A letter would then be
written to Father Christmas by every child. It would then be sent chimney
up the (6)_____. These days most people have gas fires, so that
idea has been replaced with sending an email to (7)_____! Christmas
Christmas Eve is a working day, though some companies do give
a half day. Many people are travelling home, normally via the tinsel
pub. Certainly in the evening many people have a quick drink in
their local, though pubs do close early on Christmas Eve. In some
(8)_____ there is a midnight service.

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

GRAMMAR
Put the words into the gaps in the text.

A traditional Christmas in England a

Pre Christmas – (1)__ English like to celebrate Christmas well
ahead of the actual day. Before the kids break up from school of
toddlers might visit Santa’s grotto in (2)__ local department
store. Children (3)__ primary (4)__ secondary schools might hold in
Christmas bazaars. Kids at secondary schools normally have to go
to church (5)__ the annual carol service. Adults meanwhile now
celebrate with the Christmas office party! That’s always good
festive fun! There are Christmas lights in the main parts of most
for
towns and these days some people like to decorate the front
(6)__ their houses with Christmas lights. Meanwhile many
at
retailers in England have been flogging Christmas goodies since
October! The advent calendar is also a must for kids to open daily
and
(7)__ December. Christmas markets are (8)__ very popular.

the

Christmas Eve. It is the day before Christmas. The kids are off
school. Traditionally, the Christmas tree would be decorated in
some
the evening but (1)__ days (2)__ households in England put the
tree up sometimes a fortnight before the big day! The tree has though
many different coloured balls on it. (3)__ is also a lot of tinsel,
wonderful glowing flashing lights, many chocolates, and a fairy or with
star sits on the top of the tree. (4)__ Christmas decorations like
Chinese lanterns, bells and colourful paper or tinsel chains other
decorate the living room ceiling. In the old days an open fire
many
would be lit. A letter (5)__ then be written to Father Christmas by
every child. It would then be sent up the chimney. These days these
most people have gas fires, so that idea has been replaced (6)__
sending an email to Santa! Christmas Eve is a working day, there
though some companies do give a half day. Many people are
travelling home, normally via the pub. Certainly in the evening would
many people have a quick drink in their local, (7)__ pubs do close
early on Christmas Eve. In (8)__ churches there is a midnight
service.

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 A traditional Christmas in England – 25th November 2010

SPELLING TEST

The teacher will ask the class individually to spell the following words that are in the
article. Afterwards, check your answers with your teacher, using the following
ratings: Pass = 12, Good = 15, Very good = 18, Excellent = 20
1 bazaars 11 vegetables
2 calendar 12 cauliflower
3 chimney 13 turnips
4 toddlers 14 broccoli
5 normally 15 everything
6 flogging 16 tomatoes
7 Christmas 17 telly
8 traditionally 18 grotto
9 decorations 19 secondary
10 certainly 20 lanterns

LINKS
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/dinner.html
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/day.html
http://www.essentially-england.com/christmas-in-england.html
http://alanformstone.com/christmas_england/xmas_england_main.html
http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/VictorianChristmas.htm

ANSWERS
GAP FILL: A traditional Christmas in England: Pre Christmas - The English like to celebrate
Christmas well ahead of the actual day. Before the kids break up from school toddlers might visit
Santa’s grotto in a local department store. Children at primary and secondary schools might hold
Christmas bazaars. Kids at secondary schools normally have to go to church for the annual carol
service. Adults meanwhile celebrate with the Christmas office party! That’s always good festive fun!
There are Christmas lights in the main parts of most towns and these days some people like to decorate
the front of their houses with Christmas lights. Meanwhile many retailers in England have been flogging
Christmas goodies since October! The advent calendar is also a must for kids to open daily in
December. Christmas markets are now very popular.
Christmas Eve. It is the day before Christmas. The kids are off school. Traditionally, the Christmas
tree would be decorated in the evening but these days many households in England put the tree up
sometimes a fortnight before the big day! The tree has many different coloured balls on it. There is also
a lot of tinsel, wonderful glowing flashing lights, many chocolates, and a fairy or star sits on the top of
the tree. Other Christmas decorations like Chinese lanterns, bells and colourful paper or tinsel chains
decorate the living room ceiling. In the old days an open fire would be lit. A letter would then be written
to Father Christmas by every child. It would then be sent up the chimney. These days most people
have gas fires, so that idea has been replaced with sending an email to Santa! Christmas Eve is a
working day, though some companies do give a half day. Many people are travelling home, normally via
the pub. Certainly in the evening many people have a quick drink in their local, though pubs do close
early on Christmas Eve. In some churches there is a midnight service. (V1)

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